Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Romsey or Braishfield URC, nor the elders nor production team.
A MESSAGE FROM REVD MIKE
Dear friends in Christ
July 2026
Marie and I are still reminiscing a lot about our trip to Japan over the Easter school holidays. What an incredible experience that was!
One thing that we became aware of very quickly was the real contrast between the hustle and bustle of city life, people rushing about to catch the next train, the crowded market streets, and the need to stop regularly in a quiet and tranquil place.
Kyoto market street Japanese tranquillity garden
One experience we shared was a traditional tea ceremony. We were welcomed, along with two couples from the USA and a family of four from Germany, into a very simply decorated room and sat on mats on the floor. A woman celebrant, wearing a traditional Japanese kimono, sat at a low table with a cast-iron water-boiler with a bamboo ladle, a tea container and tea-bowls.
The whole ceremony, highly ritualised and with movement almost like a dance, took over forty-five minutes, but it was deeply centring and very relaxing. How different from ‘grabbing’ a coffee while rushing from one place to another, I thought!
For many people the summer holidays are usually a time of windingdown a bit, of relaxing – at home or away, of recuperation. For our personal and family life, as well as in our work and church life, it is important to spend quality time, to gather strength and rest.
As I have written before at this time of year, the meaning of the word ‘recreation’ is literally to recreate, and the summer holidays are a great time to do precisely that, for our physical and spiritual wellbeing. Holidays are times of refilling with that energy, spiritual and physical, ultimately to enable us to give more effectively.
An enduring image that remains with me from my academic studies years ago (from a Celtic mystic of ancient times) is that we, in our Christian service to church and community, are like a fountain. Like a fountain and its water, we can only give of that which overflows. If we give more than that too often, we dry-up. Indeed all, Jesus is our example here, often going apart from the everyday, from the crowds, alone or with his closest companions, to restore his energy.
As we think about and, hopefully put into practice, some ‘re-creation’ over the next couple of months, it would be very remiss of me not to remember three people in particular who have served Abbey URC so loyally and with great dedication for many, many years now. Yes, we will certainly thank them (and other faithful servants of the church) officially at our special Thanks and Re-dedication Service on Sunday, 5 July, but I wanted to convey my deep gratitude to Angela W (retiring to nearby accommodation) and to Andy and Graham B (moving to Scotland).
You have certainly given of your time and talents so effectively. I, and everyone at Abbey URC - and wider afield, wish you joy and peace in your new life and community of people.
Lastly for now, however you choose to spend time away from it all, Marie and I wish you very pleasant and happy holidays this summer!
In Christian love, Revd Mike (photos by Revd Mike)
PRAYER FOR JULY
As we move towards summer and a break in our normal routine, let us renew ourselves during this time to deepen our relationship with God.
Howard
Renew the Fire
Creator, life-giving God, I turn to you in pain and distress. I look around at your beautiful world And see it destroyed by war, greed and hate. You have placed in each of us a unique spark, Even counting and knowing the hairs on our head. Your love is unending and always present If we only dare turn to it.
Recognising the new life found Through the death of what we have been, I bring to you the times I have failed To speak up for your peace and your justice, Preferring to walk the path of an easy peace, One that does not disrupt, challenge or change, But keeps injustice fermenting. I turn now and beg for your renewal.
Renew the fire of your love in me, So that I may find the words and actions needed To stand for your justice and to speak for your peace. From a deeper relationship with you I shall find a true and lasting peace in my soul.
Amen
by John Cooper, URC Prayer Handbook 2026
PREMISES OFFICER
The interviews have recently taken place for our new Premises Officer, who will take over as Angela W retires. There were very good applicants, and we are looking forward to welcoming our new Premises Officer in the near future. Thank you to everyone who has helped in this process and to Carole who has covered the opening and closing of our buildings during Angela’s leave period.
Prayer
There’s so much happening at our church during Romsey Festival 2026 - take a look at the details below and make sure to pop a few dates in your diary!
Please note, due to personal circumstances The Great & Terrible Tragedy of the Swing Riots - due to be held on 16 July at 7pm in our church - has been cancelled. Apologies to everyone who was looking forward to it.
CHURCH NEWS
Congratulations to Peter and Jacquie on their marriage, wishing them a very happy life together.
Our sincere thanks to Andy, as she stepped down as Church Secretary at our AGM after many years of service. We wish her and Graham a very happy retirement and God's blessing for the future.
We wish Angela W every happiness and a safe move to her new home. We are so grateful for her kindness and hard work as our caretaker, her care for our buildings and hirers is greatly appreciated. Angela F is pleased to announce that she has finally moved house! She is looking forward to settling in and making it home. If you would like her new contact details, please do not hesitate to ask her. We wish her well and hope that the unpacking goes smoothly!
Thank you for the lovely flowers, sympathy cards, support and prayers from everyone. The flowers were very cheering and much appreciated.
Love to all, Ruth
A big thank you to everyone for their good wishes and to Jill for the flowers she brought, for my house move. In this hot weather it was certainly challenging, but worth it. Thank you.
To everyone at Abbey URC, thank you so much for allowing us to use your space again - it really is the perfect space for musicians and community – we are so grateful to call the URC “home”. A huge thank you for being our favourite venue, you're all incredible and we're so grateful for the generosity you show us all at Romsey Chamber Music, we couldn't do it without you and whilst arts are being squeezed across the country, I'm so proud of our little stronghold at the Abbey URC! Best wishes,
Laura and Romsey Chamber Music Festival team
We are saddened to share the news Daphne P passed away on 27 June 2026. We will remember Daphne, her family and friends in our prayers. She will be greatly missed at Abbey URC
Our thoughts and prayers are with Elizabeth Hinks and her family on the recent death of her mother, aged 101.
Angela F
SOCIAL BINGO AFTERNOON WITH BRING AND SHARE TEA
Our recent Bingo Afternoon was a great success, with a good turnout and plenty of fun enjoyed by everyone. Six games of bingo were played, with lots of concentration and eyes down as numbers were called. There was great excitement each time a winner called "Bingo!".
Everyone stayed to enjoy a delicious bring-andshare afternoon tea, which provided a wonderful opportunity to chat and catch up with friends in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
A big thank you to Carole, who organised the event and to everyone who helped, brought food to share, and came along to join in the fun.
ONE ROMSEY
It was lovely to have the church open for the One Romsey event on 14 June 2026. Our space was very well received with 56 adults and 12 children dropping in.
Some sat and took time for a quiet prayer, some walked around the church with our walk-around leaflet, others took details of outreach opportunities and two asked to be added to the order of service circulation. We had people expressing an interest in joining a service, one couple discussed a church wedding, one person was interested in table tennis and three different couples said they would be at our midnight communion.
Romsey was full of families and joy during the day, and it was so nice to have people visit our church and be able to chat to them. We would like to open the church more often when there are activities in Romsey, if you would like to help open Abbey URC on special events, please speak to Carole or Sarah.
REVD MIKE’S PREACHING ROTA
July 5 9.30 Braishfield URC 10.30 Abbey URC 12 10.30 Avenue St Andrew’s URC 19 10.30 Isaac Watts URC 26 10.30 Bitterne CM
August 2 10.30 Isaac Watts URC 9 10.00 Braishfield URC 16 10.30 Avenue St Andrew’s URC
23 and 30
Revd Mike on annual leave
Please note that The Social Cup will continue through July, then take a break during August. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September!
THANK YOU
Having now stepped down from being your Church Secretary I write to say a huge thank you for all the support I have received through the years since first being elected as Elder and Church Secretary. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve you in this way.
We have faced many challenges together over the past 30 years and I wish you well for the challenges yet to come. May you feel the strength and love of God as He supports you through your prayers.
I thank the Ministers under whom I have served; Revd Alan Green, Revd Terry Hinks, Revd Mike Perrott and Revd Sarah Hall for their guidance and support. You have all been very patient with me, helping me through personal and spiritual difficulties. I am also grateful to all the elders who have served with me during my time on the Eldership. My special thanks are due to Carole who has been a true help as the Assistant Secretary, hiding in the background whilst she performs many tasks to ease my load.
My final thanks must go to my family for all their support and for scheduling family events around many church commitments. I am grateful to John and Aurelie for sharing their mum with the wider church family. Lastly, but by no means least, I thank my husband Graham for all the patience, support and understanding he has given me, as well as the practical help he has given to help maintain the fabric of the church.
Graham and I are now moving to live with John and his wife Sue in Scotland. We will move with some regrets but are looking forward to this new phase in our lives and facing the challenges it will bring.
May God bless and support you all as Sarah takes on the mantle of Church Secretary at Abbey URC, Romsey.
Andy Bevan
COFFEE MORNING AND RAFFLE
The Beaman family will be holding a coffee morning on Saturday, 4 July 2026 (not 2025 as the poster says – sorry!).
It will be from 10.30am-12noon in Abbey Hall Lounge. We invite you to join us for a lovely social time plus coffee, tea, cakes and a raffle. Everyone is very welcome. Please pop in to say hello and to share refreshments and cakes. All monies raised will be in aid of church funds.
A TIME OF CHANGE
Firstly, thank you for your kind words and good wishes as I take on the role of Church Secretary. Your encouragement is greatly appreciated. As with any change, there will be a period of adjustment, and I'm looking forward to working with everyone as we move forward together.
To help share the workload, we're looking for volunteers for a few small but important roles. Every little bit helps!
Typing support – a small amount of typing once a week on a Wednesday, all wording will be provided. It will be proofed by others before sending out. (Microsoft Word knowledge essential).
Church Meeting Secretary – taking minutes at our quarterly Church Meetings.
Concert Stewards – to act as an ambassador for our church and to welcome visitors at our popular concerts and enjoy the entertainment free of charge. You can help as often or as little as you wish.
Saturday Morning Stewards – Howard is taking over the rota and would welcome new volunteers to join the team opening the church from 10.00am–12.30pm on Saturday mornings. Your help would be needed approximately once every six weeks.
Printing the weekly Order of Service – about once a month. The service sheet is emailed on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning and can be printed either at home or in the church office.
Join a Church Group - we are always keen to welcome new members to our church groups, which include Finance, Fabric, Worship, Pastoral and Outreach. You don't need to be an expert - just willing to share your ideas, skills and enthusiasm. These groups play a vital role in helping to guide the life of our church. They and organise many of the activities and events we enjoy throughout the year.
If you feel you could help with any of these roles, or would simply like to find out more or offer your support in another way, I would be happy to chat to you.
If you have any suggestions, changes or fresh ideas that could benefit our church community, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Your thoughts and contributions are always welcome. Thank you for your support.
Sarah B
COURAGE
Our community awareness service is always enlightening, however this year our focus on Refugee Week 2026, which ran from 15-21 June, culminating globally in World Refugee Day on 20 June was especially moving. This year's theme was courage; it celebrated the resilience of displaced people and highlighted small everyday actions (Simple Acts) everyone can take to support refugees.
Olena spoke to us of her experiences of being a refugee, fleeing the war in Ukraine and what it still means to her family. Her host, Malcolm, explained how welcoming her and her family into his home has changed his life. We also heard from Nataliya, a Ukrainian already living in the UK who was moved to welcome a refugee into her home and help them settle in to a very different world.
Their stories touched us all; we are extremely grateful they had the courage to join us and share such moving, personal experiences.
THE RUTH FELLOWSHIP
At the last meeting of the Roman Catholic and URC discussion group, we thought about a new name and came upon The Ruth Fellowship, inspired by the story of Ruth in the Old Testament.
We are a group of people from Abbey URC and St Joseph’s who meet together at the St Joseph’s Parish Room, opposite 1 Abbey Water, to talk about the similarities and differences between our beliefs.
Our next meeting will be at 2.30pm on Tuesday, 7 July when we will be talking about Saints - not the football team! It will encompass what saints mean for us as individuals, and as churches of different traditions.
We are a friendly group of people getting to know each other and the traditions of each other’s denominations, with fine refreshments provided too! Please do feel free to join us! The following meeting will be held in September.
Revd Mike
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Anybody can observe the Sabbath, but making it holy takes the rest of the week.
Alice Walker 1944
MAGAZINE DEADLINE
Material for September 2026 to be submitted by 5pm (latest) on Thursday, 20 August 2026 Please email to abbeyurcnews@gmail.com
Alternatively, you could call Carole C, pop it in her letter box, or leave in the pigeon-hole at the back of the church. Thank you.
BIBLE STUDY
Our monthly Zoom Sunday evening Bible study will take place on Sunday, 5 July and Sunday, 2 August at 6.30 pm (ID 864 1780 6994, PC learning) when we will look more deeply at the Gospel verses set for that Sunday (please see ‘morning prayer’ readings). All welcome!
CALENDAR
4528 3637 PW
16 10-11.30am The Social Cup in Abbey Hall Lounge 16 7pm The Great and Terrible Tragedy of the Swing Riots Musical
7.15pm 'How to stop yourself falling' training at Avenue St Andrews URC
Outreach and Youth Group on Zoom; ID 851 4528 3637 PW business 17
Lunchtime recital with Tom Jesty on piano and Vanessa White on violin
10am-1pm Bitterne URC Summer Fair on the Patio
10.30am12noon Coffee and Cake at Avenue St Andrews URC
Choir with the Songbirds
15 2pm Bitterne 40th Anniversary celebrations invite SFG to a picnic on the Common
16 10.30am
Morning Worship led by Mike Wood
16 Revd Mike on annual leave until 30 August
22 10am-12.30pm
2223 12noon-5pm
23 10.30am
29
10am-12.30pm
30 10.30 am
Church open for quiet reflection and prayer
Open Studios Art Exhibition at Avenue St Andrews URC
Church Anniversary Service led by Howard Coulson
Church open for quiet reflection and prayer
Morning Worship led by Mrs Andy Bevan
MORNING PRAYER
If you would like to take the opportunity to reflect upon God’s word and to pray for the needs of the world, and the Church, in your own time during the week, here are the readings set for morning worship on these Sundays.
July 5 Psalm 45:10-17
12 Psalm 119:105-112
19 Psalm 139:1-12 and 23-24
26 Psalm 128
August 2 Psalm 17:1-7 and 15
9 Psalm 105:1-6 and 16-22
16 Psalm 133
23 Psalm 124
30 Psalm 105:1-6 and 23-45
Matthew 11:16-19 and 25-30
Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-23
Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43
Matthew 13:31-33 and 44-52
Matthew 14:13-21
Matthew 14:22-33
Mathew 15:10-28
Matthew 16:13-20
Matthew 16:21-28
Braishfield United Reformed Church
Minister: The Reverend Mike Perrott, MA 01794 512163 e-mail: revd.mike13@gmail.com
off: Mondays
The Reverend Dr Sarah Hall e-mail: sarah.hall.swhg@gmail.com 02380 768004 Day off: Thursdays
Please note that the third Sunday of the month is the time to bring in tinned goods etc for the food bank collection.
News from Braishfield
Hope all is well with you all. The summer months, I think, show Braishfield at its best, not least because we have our Flower Festival service coming up on Sunday, 19 July when Andy Bevan will be leading our worship.
Please contact Maggie Batchelor for details if you can help or just put your flowers in a vacant spot with your name beside them. The usual plan is flowers go into the church on Friday 17 July from 10.00am to 6.00pm. The festival itself is on Saturday, 18 and Sunday, 19 July with visitors welcome, again from 10.00am to 6.00pm.
On Monday, 20 July, please collect your flowers from the church and take them home. Again, the church will be open from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm for this.
It is so wonderful to celebrate the beauty of God’s creation, as shown by the glorious flowers. Do come and join us if you can. The church always looks fantastic.
Some of us from Braishfield went to Peter White’s thanksgiving service at Salisbury URC on Monday, 22 June 2026. Peter regularly came to take services at Braishfield for twenty years and he also helped encourage Daniel Symes in his lay preaching work. Indeed, Daniel is due to take the service for us at the end of July and again at Salisbury in September. Peter is missed but it was good to be at the service to give thanks for his life and ministry. We remember Margaret, his wife, and the family in our prayers.
Looking ahead a little, Braishfield will be holding its Harvest Service on Sunday, 27 September when Sharon Whitfield will be leading the worship. Again, do come and join us if you can. The church also looks especially lovely for this service. The church will be open on Saturday, 26 September from 10.00am for people to bring in food donations.
Canned and packet food will go to the Food Bank in due course. But you are also welcome to bring these items in on the Sunday itself as there is a slot in the service to bring them up to the front of the church. I know bringing the food items up like this brings back memories for me of my school day harvest events.
We hope you all have a lovely time over the summer period, whether you are away or at home. Let’s hope we have the weather to go with it!
Allison S
ROUND THE SOUTHERN FELLOWSHIP OF UNITED REFORMED CHURCHES
Bitterne
Bitterne URC is holding a Summer Praise Service on the evening of Sunday, 12 July 2026. The evening starts at 6.30pm with lashings of tea and cake followed by a service of your favourite hymns and readings at 7pm. Please do let your church secretary know if you will be attending and if you have a favourite hymn, song, Bible passage, poem or story you would like included.
On 15 August Bitterne URC will be holding a Picnic on the Common from 12 – 2pm, it is open to all churches in Southern Fellowship. We’ll congregate between Hawthorns and Cowherds –please see red X on the map here
A date for your diary: on Saturday, 26 September at 7:30pm Bitterne look forward to Saxophony Concert as part of their 40th Anniversary events
Bitterne URC looks forward to welcoming you.
1944 - 2026
David was born in Stoke on Trent and as a boy moved with his parents, Bob and Doreen, when his father got a job with Hampshire County Architects. After seven years at Peter Symonds School (as it was then) he gained a Scholarship to Oriel College, Oxford to study Mathematics, starting in October 1962, completing his studies with his Doctorate: job offers came from GCHQ, ICL and IBM whose research department at Hursley made the choice easy for David.
David enjoyed his time at Oxford, not least at the cross-country club and other outlets for his athleticism. In 1968 he settled in Romsey, joining Abbey URC where his gifts immediately became apparent, particularly in the financial affairs of the wider Hampshire Congregational Union, leading to the URC Wessex Synod Trust where he gave unparalleled voluntary service as Trustee and Director in the oversight of financial and property matters. With his sharp intellect he could pinpoint the real issues with a necessary clarity that others sometimes failed to appreciate, but always recognising that human, Christian values must be paramount.
With his wife, Susan, they lived a very full working and social life, until Andrew was born. David was a man full of energy and committing himself not only to the service of the Church but also his love of running, including the first London Marathon in 1981 and in many subsequent years, as well as his love of music, supporting Susan at City of Southampton concerts, organising foreign trips for the group. David was a member of Glyndebourne, so yearly visits to the Opera were always a highlight of the summer, enjoying the gardens, ambience and picnicsas well as the music. There were also holidays – Andrew particularly remembers going camping in France with his father.
David’s career at IBM took him to California in 1974, where his travels including walking all the way down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up the same day! In 1984 David spent 11 months at the IBM centre in NY State, giving the family the opportunity to explore the Eastern US.
In 1993 David married Ruth, so Andrew gained two stepbrothers, Edmund and Berkley. A favourite for the whole family was skiing, initially
in the Alps but then Colorado where skiing and hiking were enjoyed for many years. David’s love for adventure and travel took him on treks in Nepal, also climbing Mt Meru, Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu, visiting the Galapagos Islands, the Aeolian Islands, the Alps as well as many places in the UK and France. David was also an active member of Romsey Road Runners, organising Saturday social runs locally; an excellent map reader he enjoyed the adventure of finding new routes – and the unexpected bog!
When trekking became too challenging, holidays focused on cruising the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canaries, Caribbean, Canada and Iceland. David’s favourite ship was the Queen Victoria. After taking Ballroom and Latin dance lessons, many an evening at sea was spent on the dance floor.
David’s determination not to be defeated by Parkinson’s was amazing, though not surprising to those who knew him. On a great day out to Kew Gardens with the Parkinson’s Carers’ Group, David refused to use the buggy provided, determined to walk the length and breadth of Kew without assistance – in this, as in other aspects of life, David persevered, determined not to give in until he had no choice.
David was a man with exceptional abilities and, as we have heard, he used those abilities so well; personally, professionally and in the service of the Christian church. But he would never have claimed that he was perfect or faultless – none of us are. The hymn he chose to be sung at his service reflects that, “Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways”.
Knowing that David was an athlete, I chose those New Testament verses from the letter to the Hebrews, “and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith”. Right until the body could function no more, David ran the race and persevered in so very many areas of life empowered by his Christian faith – a faith that was deep and did not need to be showy.
His Christian faith motivated and sustained David, trusting not just in his own undoubted abilities but “looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” in a world where we are tempted to trust, if not solely in ourselves or also in so many other claims and promises, may God help us all to run with perseverance and recognise the only true leader and helper, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
The Revd Julian Macro with full acknowledgment to Ruth for much of the material
A PIECE OF OUR COMMUNITY
During June we were reminded how many people face loneliness and by meeting it together, we can build more compassionate and connected communities. Wetook ablank jigsaw puzzle to each of our social events and invited those attending to take home a piece, adding their first name where their piece belonged in the larger puzzle
In July the jigsaws will be at the back of church so members of our congregations, and other members of our community, can also take part. A solid reminder that we are all part of the bigger picture of our church – and connections matter.
LUMOS
On 5 June, the interior of Abbey URC was lit by hundreds of candles giving a beautiful setting for the three musicians playing the film score music of Hans Zimmer including Gladiators, Madagascar and Pirates of the Caribbean. It was a very popular event, filling the church for this stunningly atmospheric experience.
ROMSEY VOICES AND JUNIOR JAZZCHOR
On Wednesday, 3 June, we were delighted to welcome Romsey Voices and Junior Jazzchor Freiburg from Germany.
Those lucky enough to be at this event said that they had never experienced anything like it in our church before. There was such joy and excitement among the choir members cheering each other on and enjoying each other’s singing, as did the whole audience.
A huge thank you to all who supported this wonderful event, and to Marion Maxey for holding the event in Abbey URC and donating the proceeds of over £400 to church funds.
PROJECT LINUS
Romsey Quilters support Project Linus and the quilts on display in the beautiful Abbey URC, were made by members for sick and traumatised children. Project Linus UK is 100% volunteer based and non-profit making and relies on donations.
These quilts are given to a baby, child or teenager ‘in need of a big hug’; for them to keep. Each quilt has a label sewn onto every quilt which are given anonymously:
Made with Tender Loving Care For Project Linus UK
We are often asked how it all began, well on Christmas Eve 1995, in the USA, an article in magazine entitled “Joy tothe World” . Part of the article feature a petite, downy haired child who had been going through intensive chemotherapy and it stated that her security blanket had helped her get through the treatments.
Karen Louks, decided to provide home-made security blankets to Denver’s Rocky Mountain Children’s Cancer Centre. Project Linus was named after the security blanket toting character from the Peanuts comic strip. The late Charles Schultz, its creator was pleased to have Linus inspire quilt makers to help sick and traumatised children. Project Linus UK was started in March 2000 and since then has delivered almost half a million quilts nationally.
We hope you’ll enjoy having our quilts displayed in your church, we’re looking forward to sharing them with you.
ARTSEEN AND HAMPSHIRE OPEN STUDIOS (HOS)
Artseen will be returning to Abbey Hall in August during the 10 days of Hampshire Open Studios. We are delighted to have the opportunity, once again, to display our artwork in Abbey Hall. Works of Art are always enhanced by beautiful surroundings and Abbey Hall certainly provides those. We will be joined by several Guest Artists and Makers: A Ceramicist, Jewellery Makers and work by pupils from a local Primary School. The dates are Saturday, 22 August to Monday, 31 August (Bank Holiday Monday) 10am to 5pm. Entry is FREE. Please do come along and meet us all.
The Hampshire Open Studios book (commonly known as the “little pink book”) should be available by the end of July so do look out for them in and around Romsey. There will also be information on the HOS website www.hampshireopenstudios.org.uk about all the 296 venues across Hampshire that will be opening during the 10 days of Open Studios. Artseen’s entry is number 92. We look forward to meeting you.
Janet Ferguson,
Artseen
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
When one door closes another opens. But we often look so long and regretfully upon the closed door that we fail to see the one that has opened for us.
Alexander Graham Bell 1847-1922
JUST MONEY MOVEMENT –CHRISTIANS FOR A FAIRER, GREENER WORLD
JustMoney are excited to share the brand-new campaign with you: Challenge Amazon – Break the Habit, Fix the Rules.
Why Amazon, you might be asking.
The global economy isn’t working for everyone. It’s driving inequality, environmental damage and concentrating wealth in the hands of a few. Amazon – the world’s largest online retailer – sits at the centre of these concerns.
Despite enormous global profits, Amazon continues to face serious questions over the amount of tax it pays, poor employment practices and its impact on local businesses and the environment.
Tax can be a tool for paying for the services needed to flourish as a society and to tackle inequality, but Amazon doesn’t pay its taxes fairly or transparently. Amazon’s tax avoidance is estimated to cost the UK hundreds of millions (at least) every year.
That’s why the JustMoney Movement is launching Challenge Amazon –Break the Habit, Fix the Rules. Millions of Christians and an estimated 40,000 churches across the UK have real economic influence through how we spend our money. We can choose to do so in ways that show our love of neighbours, near and far, and our care for creation.
Join them and Break the Habit of relying on Amazon, and instead support ethical, local and sustainable alternatives, using your money to choose hope and community.
Visit https://justmoney.org.uk/speak-out/challenge-amazon/ to find out more.
REVIEW, REPURPOSE, REMOVE, RECYCLE
Stacey Solomon has a programme on TV when she helps people sort the accumulated items they have in their home, and work out what they wish to keep and what needs to be moved on – either to sell, to donate to a charity shop, give to another person who would use it or even just have the courage to throw some items away!
We all know how much we accumulate at home – and our church buildings are no different. If you regularly use a cupboard or a room in one of our buildings why not have a good look at the items in there? It is important we look after our heritage, so this is not a move to minimalism! However, if there are items there that haven’t been used for years or are now no longer being used and could be moved on, why not let Sarah B know and she’ll check if anyone is still using them; if not it may be a good opportunity to try and downsize.
A ROCHA UK’S EASY ECO TIPS 2026 CALENDAR
JULY - Plastic Free July™ is a shared global movement that helps millions of people reduce plastic waste through simple, everyday choices and be part of the solution to plastic pollution; to help everyone enjoy cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.
This Plastic Free July, the focus is on laundry, a top source of microplastic pollution. Fibres from synthetic clothes (polyester, nylon, and acrylic for example) shed tiny fibres during washing and drying. These enter the sewage systems and are hard to filter out. Use a microfibre bag or ball to catch the fibres. Learn more about reducing plastic pollution in the laundry process at www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/what-youcan-do/plastic-free-laundry/ and more about this year’s campaign at plasticfreejuly.org.
AUGUST – times of drought and dryness can be dangerous for wildlife. Provide water for birds and insects - put a dish of water out to help wildlife stay hydrated. Insects, small mammals, birds, and even badgers, foxes, and deer could benefit. A stone in a plant saucer helps bees to perch and drink without drowning.
These small actions make a big difference and are just some of the ways we can live out our calling to care for God’s creation. See the blog on looking after wildlife in the heat for more warm weather eco tips: https://arocha.org.uk/looking-after-wildlife-in-the-heat/
HERITAGE OPEN DAY IN ABBEY URC
Heritage Open Days returns this September, bringing thousands of free events and experiences across England – including Abbey URC. This nationwide celebration of heritage, community and history invites people to discover the stories on their own doorstep.
At Abbey URC, we will be hosting a three-day local history exhibition exploring the everyday lives of people connected with the church. We are grateful to members of the Romsey Local History Society and King John’s House for their support, and we hope there will be something of interest for everyone.
This year’s theme, Everyday Histories, highlights the often-overlooked stories of ordinary working people whose lives helped shape Abbey URC, Romsey, and the wider heritage we share today.
Through photographs, documents, personal histories and wartime records, visitors will be able to discover the people connected with our church from its founding in 1662 into the 20th century.
The exhibition will feature local families, craftsmen and residents across the generations, as well as church life, music, education, and the experiences of members during wartime.
The exhibition will run from 11 to 13 September, so do put the dates in your diary. We look forward to welcoming you.
Thérèse
